OFFICIAL PROCLAMATIONS. 21 



were to be exempt from taxes and forced con- 

 tributions of any kind, and their horses and 

 mules on no account pressed for the service 

 of the troops or public works. That the men 

 working in the mines were to be exempted 

 from serving the number of days'* labour they 

 annually contribute to the Government," &c. 



Upon the faith and strength of the above 

 decree, mines were explored, good lodes dis- 

 covered, capital invested, miners engaged, 

 mines opened, and fine rich ore brought to 

 the surface, where, by the bye, it still re- 

 mains at grass, and is likely to do so to the 

 end of time. 



Another proclamation made its appear- 

 ance a few months after the first, placing a 

 heavy duty on the exportation of crude 

 ores, and at the same time rescinding most 

 of the above-mentioned privileges. Still, 

 under these disadvantages the works were 

 proceeded with, a quantity of ore was ex- 

 tracted, miners learnt their work, and the 

 appearance of the workmen in the small 

 villages greatly improved. 



Then appeared a third decree, prohibiting 

 absolutely the exportation of crude ores of 

 any kind, and this under the pretence of 

 encouraging smelting in their own country, 



